Larry Holmes vs Mike Tyson

None of those guys came back 5 years later and became a factor in their division.

I would bet that Tyson would find the same defensive holes in a 28 year old Holmes which were exhibited by a 38 year old Holmes. The low left hand, the extended arm defense in crisis, not the deftest of footwork when moving away from an opponent. Of course, it is not a foregone conclusion. Holmes was a great fighter. He just never met anything of the style of Tyson whereas Mike met more than a few with the better elements of Holmes.

 

I see your point. While Larry was much quicker and sharper in his prime and he would've hit Tyson a lot more also on the flip side Holmes punching more would leave more opportunities for Tyson to counter.
The result could've ended up being similar.